A Grantham scout master has been jailed for 18 years after pleading guilty to 49 child sex offences involving nine victims.

David Sewell, 37, of Valley Road, Grantham, pleaded guilty to the charges, including the rape of a boy under the age of 13, sexual assault of boys under the age of 13, sexual touching, voyeurism and the possession of child sex abuse images.

Lincolnshire Police’s investigation into Sewell, whose youngest victim was just 10 at the time of his offending, was prompted when a local man reported historic sexual assaults to officers in July this year.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that Sewell abused his position of trust to build relationships with parents and gain access to his young victims.

Head of Lincolnshire Police’s Public Protection Unit, Supt Rick Hatton, said: “Sewell is a very dangerous predatory paedophile and his crimes have had a profound and lasting impact on several young people’s lives.

“The systematic and planned grooming of these young people illustrated the calculated and manipulative offending of Sewell, who placed himself in positions where he had access to children and could gain their trust.

“We would like to thank those victims and their families, who have come forward to report these crimes. Those involved have been through a horrendous ordeal and their bravery in then giving evidence for these legal proceedings has helped bring the offender to justice.

“We hope that Sewell’s conviction helps them, in some sense, to move forward with their lives. Lincolnshire Police and our partners in Social Services will continue to offer the families involved as much support as possible”